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Security personnel present outside the Mandir Marg Police Station ahead of the bail hearing of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) co-convenors Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, in New Delhi on October 19, 2026. | Photo Credit: ANI

A Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) court in Delhi on Monday (October 19, 2026) extended the judicial custody of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) activists Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka by two days, citing concerns over the possibility of disturbance to public peace.

SEM Ritu Raj observed that the previous conduct of Mr. Das and Mr. Ranka raised doubts about their commitment to complying with the law and their assurance that they would not repeat the alleged actions.

“....at this stage, the grounds of apprehension as presented before me apparently suggests (sic) that the conduct of the respondents is not above board; rather it shows no respect for law and their habitualness in calling protest at de-notified areas,” the SEM stated.

Also read | CJP alleges delay in release of leaders, four sureties rejected

He added that the investigating officer’s application contained sufficient material to warrant further consideration of the potential threat to public order.

“Moreover, the inquiry conducted revealed that both the sureties has (sic) no control over the respondents to produce them before the court, which is primary essence of keeping surety,” the SEM said, further directing the respondents to furnish fresh sureties.

The matter has been scheduled for further consideration on October 21.

Delhi Police detained Mr. Das and Mr. Ranka on October 13 for entering the barricaded Jantar Mantar, de-notified as a protest site, by climbing over its gates. They were remanded to five days of judicial custody on October 14.

When they appeared before the magistrate on Monday, police alleged that the activists had violated an undertaking given on October 11 by calling on people to gather at Jantar Mantar. Police said they used social media to encourage demonstrations at unauthorised locations, including Connaught Place. Officials referred to an allegedly threatening anonymous WhatsApp message received by the previous court.

The activists’ lawyers opposed further detention, sought their immediate release, and assured the court that the alleged conduct would not recur. They argued that their clients did not call for a protest after October 10.

The CJP, along with other students and youth organisations, has been organising demonstrations against alleged irregularities in the special intensive revision of electoral rolls and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

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